You may have heard the term “Rule of Thirds” before. Maybe in an art class you took in high school or an article in a photography magazine. But, do you know what it is and how it can improve your photography? If you answered “No”, then here is a brief and simple explanation.
What is the Rule of Thirds?
The rule of thirds is basically a visual guide used to create a more visually interesting and balanced composition. Imagine a tic-tac-toe grid superimposed onto an image. This grid divides the image into equal thirds. There are two main features of the grid; the horizon lines and the points of interest.
The Horizon Lines
The rule of thirds states that the horizon of your photograph should be placed along one of the two horizontal lines. For example, when shooting landscapes you have to decide which part of the scene you would like to see more of. If you want less sky, then place your horizon along the top line. Conversely, if you want more sky, then place the horizon along the bottom line. The decision you make should be based on where your subject is. For instance, if your subject is a set of rocks on the beach, then you should place your horizon on the top line. This way the set of rocks are dominant and you can see the area surrounding them.
Putting the horizon in the middle may seem like the right thing to do, giving both sky and land or sea equal parts. But by choosing to give one more importance over the other, a few things will now happen to your photograph. First, it will have a stronger impact by telling the viewer where to focus. Second, your subject will be more dominant. And third, there will be a better flow to your story. Even more so if you incorporate the second feature of the rule, points of interest.
The Points of Interest
The rule of thirds states that the subject or point of interest should be placed on one of the four points where the horizontal and vertical lines intersect. According to studies, the eye is always naturally drawn to those points, and that’s why it’s best to place your subject there.
Take a look at some of these examples where the rule of thirds is used. Some photographs were taken using both features of the rule (horizon and points of interest), and some just demonstrate one.
Use your Camera’s Rule of Thirds Grid Display
For beginners and even pros, it’s helpful when composing a shot to have the rule of thirds grid enabled on the back lcd. DSLRs made in the last decade will have this option. Even the iPhone can show it. If you don’t know how to turn it on, just refer to your camera’s manual. I recommend to frame your shot correctly in camera. But, keep in mind that all popular post processing applications have tools to help you crop and reframe your shot to fit within the rule.
So now that you know what the rule of thirds is and how to use it, it’s time to try it out. First let me say, there are other techniques for composing a shot, so it’s not always necessary to use the rule of thirds. Use the rule as a stepping stone. Combine it with other techniques to compose your shot. In time, you can start breaking the rule of thirds. Before attempting to break the rule, learn to master it first.
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Related
FAQs
The rule of thirds states that the horizon of your photograph should be placed along one of the two horizontal lines. For example, when shooting landscapes you have to decide which part of the scene you would like to see more of. If you want less sky, then place your horizon along the top line.
How can I improve my landscape photography? ›
Tips for beginning landscape photographers.
- Choose your point of focus.
- Add some foreground layers for depth.
- Take advantage of leading and other strong lines.
- Be there when the light is best.
- Don't rush — stop and check your shots as you go.
According to the rule, by positioning key elements along the gridlines, you'll end up with better compositions. Therefore, to apply the rule to your photos, simply use the gridlines to position essential compositional elements.
What are the benefits of the rule of thirds in photography? ›
What is the purpose of the rule of thirds? The rule of thirds helps direct the viewer's gaze to the main focal point of an image, whatever the subject may be. It makes the most of empty space by drawing your eye to a specific part of the image, emphasised through composition.
What is the rule of 3 in landscape photography? ›
The concept of the Rule of Thirds implies that we should place important elements of our image on or close to one or more of the points where the four lines intersect. Doing so, it is generally believed, results in a more pleasing photo for the viewer. You should place important elements where the lines intersect.
What is the rule of 3 in landscaping? ›
Three plants creates balance
If you have enough space, group them in an equilateral triangle. This looks particularly good with mounding or vertical plants. Be sure to leave some space between the plants, especially if they are three different kinds.
What F stop is best for landscapes? ›
Best aperture setting for landscape photos.
In short, you'll want to lean more towards the higher ranges (such as f/16 to f/22.) These are narrower apertures, which means they allow less light into your camera, resulting in the need for longer shutter speeds. This combination will create the correct light exposure.
How do professional photographers take breathtaking landscape photos? ›
As a result, the best aperture for landscape photography is usually on the higher end with an f-stop between f/8 and f/11. This allows enough light in to keep the image in focus, but not too much that the scene is only sharp at one particular point. Your shutter speed is directly impacted by what f-stop you choose.
What is the golden rule of thirds in photography? ›
The rule of thirds is quite a simple rule. Divide the image in nine equal parts, by drawing two horizontal and two vertical lines at thirds from the edges. Place your subject on one of the lines or at the intersection of the lines, and you're done.
How to know if a picture follows the rule of thirds? ›
The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that places your subject in the left or right third of an image, leaving the other two thirds more open. While there are other forms of composition, the rule of thirds generally leads to compelling and well-composed shots.
Placing your subject or horizon in the centre of the image is the most obvious alternative to the Rule of Thirds, and works well for many subjects. A prominent horizontal line in the dead-centre of an image perfectly bisects it and gives equal weight to the two halves of the image.
When not to use the rule of thirds? ›
Symmetry is a great composition style which doesn't lend it's self too well to rule of thirds. Shooting in a 1:1 ratio can also make the rule of thirds quite challenging.
What is the #1 rule of photography? ›
Photography Composition Rule #1: Use the Rule of Thirds
You should have two lines running top to bottom, and two lines running left to right. Take a look at where those lines intersect: you should place your main subject on one of those points.
Which photographers use rule of thirds? ›
Rule of Thirds?
- Ansel Adams. Rule of thirds, rule of thirds - it's all we hear from photography magazines, camera clubs and composition guides. ...
- Philip Hyde. ...
- Michael Kenna. ...
- David Muench.
The Rule of Thirds is another way to look at the layout of a design (be it a web page, a painting or a photograph). The idea is straightforward; you place a simple grid overlay (divided equally into thirds, both horizontally and vertically) on the space to be used for the design.
What is the purpose of rule of thirds in design? ›
One such rule that's well-known is the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds involves splitting the canvas into a 3x3 grid and placing prominent elements along the intersection. In graphic design or photography, this helps draw attention to the various elements and creates a sense of fluidity.
What is the rule of thirds in landscape art? ›
There are a couple of age old formulae for this, called the golden section and the rule of thirds. In simple terms the picture plane is divided into three's, for example in a traditional landscape painting the land would take up the lower third of the painting and the sky the remaining two thirds.
What is the rule of thirds planning? ›
The 1/3 – 2/3 rule of planning simply says that leaders should take a third of the time until a deadline to make a plan, and then provide their subordinates with the remaining time to develop their own plans and execute them.
